Brookline, MA — On Nov. 16, 2007, Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity upon His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Part of the school’s year-long 70th anniversary celebration, the event also commemorated the 40th anniversary of His Eminence’s episcopal service. His Eminence served as Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins at Holy Cross from 1983–1993.
Dr. Thomas C. Lelon, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, stressed in his remarks the “unrelenting demands” placed on the Archbishop. In addition to daily prayer, liturgical celebration, study, preaching and travel, there are meetings with hierarchs, clergy, laypeople, diplomats, legislators and even the President of the United States. The Archbishop also responds to unexpected tragedies in the nation and in our community of faith. Indeed, as His Eminence often states, “Every minute counts.” Yet, the Archbishop has “never wavered from his obligations as the Chairman of our Board of Trustees.” He encourages us to “try harder and reach higher.” Dr. Lelon noted that throughout his life His Eminence has “sought to imitate Christ, to grow into his character and to undertake his ways; to think what He would have us do, and then, to do it.” His Eminence has “pressed on with faith, hope and love reaching out to all” and “urged us to do the same.”
The citation for the degree, read by Rev. Theodore Stylianopoulos, stated that Holy Cross “takes great pride in recognizing” His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios as a beloved professor, devoted clergyman, shepherd of the flock of Christ, ecumenical leader, man of God, and scholar. By word and deed, within the Church and the human community, among religious and governmental leaders, His Eminence “shines with the graces of the Holy Spirit,” fully and freely. On behalf of Holy Cross, Rev. Stylianopoulos asked His Eminence to give the school the “singular privilege of accepting the highest honor this sacred institution of higher learning can bestow.”
His Eminence accepted the conferral, stating that to be honored with this degree “constitutes a tremendous gift” for which he is grateful to the school and “ultimately to God, from whom every perfect present comes.” His Eminence spoke on the two educational pillars of the school: Hellenism and Orthodoxy. Some characteristics common to both are beauty, passion and community. Orthodoxy takes the beauty of Hellenistic art and adds piety and faith. The passionate priority of thinking in Hellenism is deepened in the superb achievements of Orthodox theology. The organized civil life begun in Hellenistic democracy becomes a new socioecclesial community based on love, care, and understanding. This gives to the world the millions of saints and martyrs—human connectors to God—something vital to the life of the world. His Eminence again offered his thanks for this “terrific gift” from Holy Cross because he is “conscious of the institution that offers it.”
The convocation began at Dowd Hall with a full procession in academic regalia. The student bodies of Hellenic College and Holy Cross led the staff, faculties, special guests, trustees and dignitaries to the Pappas Auditorium. In his welcoming remarks, Rev. Triantafilou thanked His Eminence for his academic offerings and for helping students “understand God’s calling in their lives.” In seeing His Eminence exult in the Lord, we “learn great lessons” and have the Archbishop’s beacon to light our paths. Through God’s grace and His Eminence’s prayers, leadership, and dedicated commitment to excellence, the school will continue to mount high places.
Formal greetings both thanked and honored His Eminence for his ministry and service. Rev. Thomas FitzGerald, Dean of Holy Cross, noted that His Eminence has strengthened his colleagues with his scholarship and faith, his reason and conviction. Dr. Lily Macrakis, Dean of Hellenic College, recalled His Eminence’s inspiring lectures full of deep pathos and understanding. On behalf of the student body, Rev. Athanasios Haros, Student Government Association President, calling His Eminence the good shepherd, asked that he keep praying for all those at the school. The Honorable Constantine Orphanides, Consul General of Boston for the Hellenic Republic, spoke of the strong relation between Greece and Orthodoxy.
On behalf of the President and Fellows of Harvard University, Maria Karagianis (MTS ’93, founder and CEO of Discovering Justice) extended greetings and congratulations to his Eminence. Attendees also included His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and Bishop Krister Stendahl of Sweden and his wife Brita. The open reception in the Pappas Auditorium, immediately following the program, allowed all in attendance to approach His Eminence with congratulations and to receive his blessing.
